New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a fourth phone conversation on Thursday amid continued tensions in the Middle East.Jaishankar posted on X that the two leaders discussed bilateral relations and issues related to the BRICS grouping.“Speaked again last night with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi. Bilateral affairs as well as BRICS-related issues were discussed,” he wrote.The latest interaction follows a series of phone calls between the two ministers since clashes broke out in the region on February 28. Earlier this week, the two leaders discussed the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping channel for global energy supplies.During that conversation, Jaishankar emphasized the importance of ensuring safe merchant shipping in the waterways that connect the Persian Gulf to global trade routes.According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry, the two sides also discussed the impact of the ongoing conflict on maritime traffic in the region.Iran said the instability affecting shipping in the Persian Gulf was the result of the United States’ “aggressive and destabilizing actions” and called on the international community to hold Washington accountable.Iran’s Foreign Ministry said Araghchi also expressed concern about the consequences of U.S. and Israeli military actions on regional stability and maritime security.Meanwhile, Jaishankar stressed the importance of maintaining and strengthening bilateral relations between New Delhi and Tehran. He also stressed the need for continued consultations to help restore stability to the region.
Who is Vanshika Chadha? Meet Kuldeep Yadav’s bride-to-be
Indian cricketer’s wedding preparations in full swing in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand Kuldeep Yadavwho will marry his long-term partner Vanshika Chadha on March 14. While the wedding garnered much attention for the cricket star, many were also curious about the bride and her background.
Who is Kuldeep Yadav’s bride-to-be Vanshika Chadha?
Vanshika Chadha and Kuldeep Yadav’s friendship goes back to their childhood. The two grew up in Kanpur and had been friends long before their relationship blossomed into a lifelong partnership. Kuldeep hails from Lal Bungalow in Kanpur, while Vanshika hails from Shyam Nagar area of the city.Over the years, their friendship grew into a serious relationship. Despite Kuldeep’s fame in international cricket, Vanshikar has largely stayed away from the public spotlight and has maintained a private life.
What does Vanshika Chadha do?
Professionally, Vanshika Chadha is associated with Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), one of the most respected financial institutions in India. She reportedly holds an executive or managerial role within the organization.Unlike many partners of high-profile athletes, Vanshika has built a stable career outside of the glamor and attention that often accompanies celebrity life. She is known to keep a low profile in public, rarely appearing on social media or at public events.While Kuldeep Yadav’s cricketing achievements have been in the spotlight over the years, Vanshika Chadha has chosen a quieter path. Little is known to the public about her personal life, and she has largely escaped media attention.People close to the couple said Vanshika has been Kuldeep’s steady support system through the ups and downs of his cricketing career. Her preference for privacy has only increased public curiosity about the woman who is about to marry the Indian cricket star.The wedding festivities are scheduled to begin on March 13 with the traditional Haldi and Mehendi ceremony. The couple will tie the knot in Mussoorie on March 14 in the presence of close friends and family.Several prominent cricketing personalities are expected to attend the ceremony, including Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah, as well as officials from the Board of Control for Cricket in India.After the private hill wedding, the couple will host a grand reception in Lucknow on March 17, which is expected to attract cricket stars, political leaders and other high-profile guests.
US-Iran war: Did Iran hit the USS Abraham Lincoln? what we know
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) navy claimed on Friday that its ballistic missile hit the US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, disabling it and forcing it to retreat from Gulf waters. However, Washington denied this, saying the carrier “continues to support Operation Epic Fury.”A U.S. Navy ship reportedly opened fire on an Iranian ship that came too close to the USS Abraham Lincoln, but it was unclear whether the ship was hit, CBS News reported. The status of the Iranian ship and its crew was unclear.
Iran’s claims
According to AA News citing Iranian media reports, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said in a statement that the US Navy aircraft carrier was targeted during operations in the region.
polling
Do you think Iran’s claims about attacking the USS Abraham Lincoln are credible?
The statement did not provide details on the extent of the damage or possible casualties.Iranian state television reported that after the attack, the US aircraft carrier and its accompanying strike group “fleeed the area at high speed.” The report did not provide details on casualties or damage. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards had previously claimed to have attacked the Lincoln, but the Pentagon dismissed the previous claim, saying “the missiles fired did not come close at all.”
US denies
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) released a photo of the Abraham Lincoln, stating: “The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group continues to support Operation Epic Fury and project power from the sea.”However, it did not reveal any details about the incident. U.S. warships operating with the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea opened fire on Iranian ships that came too close to the carrier strike group, U.S. officials told CBS News. “An Iranian ship came too close to the USS Abraham Lincoln and the United States opened fire on the ship,” two U.S. officials said on condition of anonymity.Officials said it was unclear which navy ship opened fire on the Iranian ship, but missed multiple times. It was unclear whether the sounds were intended as warnings.The status of the Iranian ship and its crew was unclear. Officials explained that a Navy ship attempted to target the Iranian ship with a 5-inch 54-caliber Mark-45 gun but repeatedly missed. A Hellfire-equipped helicopter then hit the ship with two missiles. The status of the Iranian ship and its crew remains unknown.The USS Abraham Lincoln, a nuclear-powered Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, joins the USS Spruance and USS Michael Murphy destroyers and other ships operating in the Arabian Sea. The carrier strike group arrived in the region in late January as part of a broader U.S. Navy presence that President Trump has dubbed the “Armada.”Earlier encounters have heightened tensions, including in early February when an Iranian Shahed-139 drone aggressively approached the carrier and was shot down by a U.S. fighter jet, CBS News reported. According to U.S. Central Command, more than 90 Iranian ships have been reported to have been damaged or destroyed by U.S. forces since the United States began military operations against Iran.
The opposition parties today submitted notices to the House of Representatives and the Senate seeking a motion to recall the CEC
New Delhi: Stepping up its attack on the Election Commission, the opposition has submitted notices of motions seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to the presiding officers of both houses of Parliament. This is the first time a notice has been issued calling for the revocation of a CEC. The notifications have been signed by 130 members of the Lok Sabha and 63 members of the Federal House of Representatives.
According to regulations, at least 100 members of the House of Commons must sign a notice seeking to dissolve the Central Election Commission, while 50 members of the House of Federation are required.An opposition leader said that although the necessary numbers had been reached, opposition MPs continued to come to sign the notice until Thursday afternoon. As of around 1:30 p.m., 130 signatures had been received from opposition members of the House of Commons and 63 signatures from opposition members of the House of Federation. According to sources, the notification has been signed by all parties in the India group. Apart from this, AAP MPs who are not part of the India group also signed the notification.The 10-page notice contained a seven-count charge sheet. According to sources, the accusations range from partisan conduct by the CEC to mass disenfranchisement of voters. The opposition also raised issues with the way the CEC handled SIR in previous elections like Bihar and upcoming elections in states like West Bengal; his “proven misconduct”; and his favoritism towards political parties were also issues mentioned in the notification.Notice on Cancellation of CEC Pilot TMC The opposition parties are mounting accusations against Gyanesh Kumar. They accused the Central Election Commission of being biased and conducting the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in an arbitrary manner to help the BJP. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been leading protests against the SIR process in the state. Other opposition parties have also been attacking the Central Election Commission, with Rahul Gandhi leading the “Vote Chauri” movement.The procedure for removing the CEC is similar to that for removing Supreme Court judges, with sitting judges only being removed “in cases of proven misconduct or incapacity.”The fact that the Bharatiya Janata Party alliance has a majority in both houses of Congress makes the move impossible to launch, but it allows opposition parties to mount a joint protest against the Central Election Commission.
Kuldeep Yadav wedding: Chahal arrives in Dehradun, says ‘I will dance a lot’
Indian spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who arrived in Dehradun on Friday to attend the wedding celebrations of Indian cricketer Kuldeep Yadav, expressed excitement about participating in the special occasion in Uttarakhand.Kuldeep, fresh from India’s 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup victory, will start a new chapter in his personal life by tying the knot with his fiancée Vanshika on March 14 at the picturesque hill station of Mussoorie. The ceremony will be held at the iconic Savoy Mussoorie Hotel, which has reportedly been booked exclusively for the celebrations.
Push boundaries with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!Speaking to ANI after arriving in Dehradun, Chahal shared his excitement about his friend’s wedding and hinted at the upcoming lively celebrations. “I’m very excited about my brother’s marriage. I’m going to dance a lot and enjoy it,” he said with a smile that reflected the two spinners’ close bond on and off the field.Preparations have begun and decorations are in place at the historic Savoy Hotel for what is expected to be a private but star-studded event. Reports say the entire property has been set aside for several days for the wedding to ensure privacy for family and guests.Several prominent cricketing personalities are expected to attend the celebrations, including former India captain Sunil Gavaskar and current international cricketers Rinku Singh, Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma. According to reports, senior stars like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah are also likely to attend the celebrations.Kuldeep and Vanshika had a private ceremony in Lucknow in June last year, attended only by close family members. The upcoming wedding is also expected to be a closely guarded event with a limited number of guests.
Japan still reeling: 15 years after deadly 2011 earthquake, 80% fear another disaster World News
More than a decade after one of the worst natural disasters of our time, the Japanese people still live under the threat of another such disaster in their country. A recent survey shows that the memory of the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011 still lingers in the minds of people in this country.A recent survey conducted by the Japanese Red Cross Society showed that more than 80% of respondents believed that such a disaster that occurred in 2011 may happen again in the near future. On the other hand, nearly 70% of respondents admitted that they were not doing enough to respond to such disasters.
The disaster that changed Japan
On March 11, 2011, a magnitude 9.0 earthquake occurred on the northeastern coast of Japan. The earthquake triggered a massive tsunami that caused massive damage to coastal towns in Japan’s Tohoku region. This natural disaster caused widespread damage to Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures in Japan. It left nearly 20,000 people dead or missing and forced hundreds of thousands more from their homes.The tsunami was extremely powerful in parts of Japan, destroying towns and infrastructure. This natural disaster also triggered the nuclear accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, becoming a major environmental and social challenge facing Japan.this Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO Noting that the 2011 disaster has become one of the most significant events in modern history, it serves as a reminder that coastal communities are vulnerable to earthquakes and tsunamis. The natural disaster forced governments and organizations around the world to improve the effectiveness of tsunami warning systems, disaster education and preparedness.
Survey shows widespread fear of future disasters
Ahead of the 15th anniversary of the disaster in 2011, the Japanese Red Cross conducted a nationwide survey to determine how people today view the threat of disaster.An online survey of 1,200 people over the age of 10 in Japan found that 80.3% believed that a serious disaster like the Great East Japan Earthquake would happen again in the near future.The country is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area of the Earth’s surface prone to earthquakes.Earthquakes are common in Japan. For years, scientists have said severe earthquakes were possible.
Readiness gap remains a major issue
Although awareness of disaster risks is high, surveys have found that many people are unprepared to face disasters. “Nearly 70% of respondents said they were not doing enough to prepare for large-scale disasters. Such measures may include preparing supplies needed in an emergency or acquiring skills needed to respond to a disaster.“This is not a problem unique to Japan. Experts say people often underestimate how quickly a disaster can occur or think they have time to respond if needed. However, earthquakes and tsunamis can occur without warning.
Why it’s important to remember past disasters
Another important conclusion that can be drawn from the survey is the need to remember past disasters. The survey shows that more than 80% of people believe that the lessons of the 2011 earthquake should not be forgotten when discussing disaster prevention. It is at this point that public awareness campaigns and memorial services become meaningful.The younger generation may not be aware of the events that occurred in 2011. They need to understand the events of 2011 in order to prepare for possible future disasters. Japan has invested heavily in disaster education. We have drills and measures in place to minimize the impact of earthquakes.
Facing the reality of natural disasters
Japan’s experience with the earthquake and tsunami created a culture that prides itself on resilience and preparedness. However, surveys like this show that this state can only be achieved through continuous effort.Natural disasters are difficult to predict. However, the impact can be mitigated through planning and awareness.It has been fifteen years since the Great East Japan Earthquake. Memories of that day are poignant reminders of the strength and vulnerability of those who lived through it.For many Japanese, this means the next disaster may be unavoidable. However, being prepared can make a difference.
‘Happy India is taking initiative for peace’: Tharoor praises PM Modi for engaging with Iranian president, holding talks
New Delhi: Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar were praised on Friday for engaging in dialogue with Iran. He also called for a “collective push” to end conflicts in the Middle East. Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Tharoor welcomed India’s initiative and expressed hope that India would be a “constructive voice for peace.” Talking about the security of millions of Indians stranded in the Gulf countries, he added: “This seriously hurts us and will also harm the gas supply and energy security of other countries. The security of 9 million Indians in the Gulf countries and our relations are also at risk. It is in the interest of the world to work together to end this situation and we should take the lead on this issue.”Earlier, Thursday, Prime Minister Modi Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had a phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss the continued U.S.-Israeli war against Iran and the deteriorating security situation in West Asia. Tharoor also blasted the United States and Israel for launching attacks and accused Iran of attacking its neighbors. “In principle, both sides are at fault. Both the US and Israeli attacks were wrong. Any talk of provocation or pre-emptive self-defense is unjustifiable while negotiations are ongoing, and Iran clearly meets all demands. Likewise, on the other hand, Iran is also to blame for attacking non-combatants and harming innocent civilians. This shows the pointlessness of war and conflict.” As the land of Mahatma Gandhi and Buddha, we know that peace and ahimsa have been the main traditions of India and that is what we should uphold,” he said.
Afghanistan hits Pakistan’s Kohat military fort in retaliatory drone strike
Afghanistan reacted strongly on Friday to attacks by Pakistan that hit the country’s two largest cities, the capital Kabul and Kandahar, killing four people. The escalation comes amid renewed tensions between the two Islamist neighbors, with Islamabad describing the tensions as “open war” weeks ago.Authorities in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan have reportedly responded by targeting strategic military centers and facilities in their nuclear-armed neighbor.The Afghan Defense Ministry’s X account claimed that Pakistan’s “nighttime” violations along the Durand Line, the disputed border between the two countries, were met with a befitting response by Afghan forces.“In response to the Pakistani military regime’s nighttime violations of the Durand Line, the Afghan Air Force this morning conducted attacks on strategic military centers and Pakistani army installations in the Kohat area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province,” the account wrote.The statement further claimed, “During the attack, the Kohat military fortress was destroyed, and the Durand Line conflict command center and the military fortress commander’s office within a two-kilometer radius of the same fortress were also targeted accurately.”Pakistan has previously launched air strikes in Afghanistan, hitting Kabul and Kandahar. Attacks from Islamabad also hit homes in the Afghan capital and destroyed a fuel depot at Kandahar airport.
What is K9 Veterans Day? Why March 13th is Memorial Day for U.S. Military Working Dogs
Each year on March 13, the United States celebrates K9 Veterans Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the service and sacrifice of military working dogs who have supported troops in their dangerous missions for decades.
according to soldier angelThe commemoration honors the “incredible service and sacrifice of Military Working Dogs (MWD)” who work alongside service members to help detect threats, save lives and protect troops in challenging environments.
Why March 13th is important
March 13 was chosen as K9 Veterans Day because it is the anniversary of the U.S. Army’s launch of the war dog program during World War II.
As Soldier Angel explains, the Army officially began training military dogs for combat missions on this day in 1942, creating what became known as the K-9 Corps.
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Early war dogs were often recruited from household pets through initiatives such as “Defense Dogs.” According to Soldiers Angels, the animals are trained for tasks including sentry duty, reconnaissance missions and messaging, proving that well-trained animals dog Can play a vital role in military operations.
Military dogs span decades of conflict
since Second World WarMilitary working dogs have served in major U.S. conflicts, including the Korean War, Vietnam War, Iraq War and Afghanistan War.
Over time, their role expanded significantly. According to Soldiers Angels, modern military working dogs are trained for tasks such as explosive detection, search and rescue, patrol and protection, tracking and narcotics detection.
These highly trained animals often identify hidden threats long before human forces detect them, helping prevent explosions or ambushes and saving countless lives.
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Organizations that support military personnel emphasize that military dogs are more than just tools to perform specific tasks. As Soldiers’ Angels reports, these animals “face danger alongside human troops, provide comfort during stressful deployments, and save lives through their service.”
Tribute to K9 heroes
In honor of K9 Veterans Day, groups like Soldiers Angels organize events to support military working dogs and their handlers. The organization encourages supporters to donate items such as large food and water bowls, durable toys, grooming tools and other supplies requested by handlers.
Financial donations also help deliver care packages to deployed K9 teams. According to Soldiers’ Angels, it costs about $25 to send a K9 care package overseas.
‘These schemes call women inferior’: CJI-led Supreme Court judges reject plea on menstrual leave
NEW DELHI: India’s Supreme Court on Friday declined to entertain a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a nationwide policy to grant menstrual leave to female students and employees, arguing that enforcing such a provision could inadvertently reinforce gender stereotypes and could affect women’s employment prospects.However, a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi said the competent authority can examine the submissions of the petitioner and consider the possibility of formulating a menstrual leave policy after consulting relevant stakeholders.The court disposed of the PIL and directed the authorities to take appropriate decision regarding agency.
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Do you support the idea of mandatory menstrual leave for women?
“These pleas are intended to create fear, calling women inferior – menstruation is a bad thing for them. This is considered an affirmative right. But one must also consider the employer who must grant paid leave,” the judges observed.The petition was filed by Shailendra Mani Tripathi.During the hearing, the Chief Justice expressed concern about the possible social consequences of legislating for mandatory menstrual leave, noting that such measures could inadvertently reinforce stereotypes about women.
Welcome voluntary policies: CJI takes example of Kerala
Senior advocate MR Shamshad, appearing for the petitioner, pointed out that certain states and institutions have already taken steps to accommodate menstrual leave.He cited the example of Kerala, where relaxations were introduced in schools, adding that some private companies had voluntarily provided menstrual leave to their employees.In response, the Chief Justice welcomed voluntary policies but warned against enforcing such provisions by law.“It is excellent to give voluntarily. Once you make it legally compulsory, no one will give them jobs. No one will give them judicial or government jobs – their careers will be over. They will say, after informing everyone, you should sit at home,” he said.The judges also noted the impact these measures could have on workplace perceptions and women’s career advancement.Taking note of these submissions, the court held that the petitioner had already submitted representations to the concerned authorities and said that there was no need to approach the court multiple times seeking discharge of duty.